Capacitive data transfer in an electronic lock and key assembly
US9710981B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/8081
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.